Thursday, January 31, 2008

Try this very early in the morning ( around 5:30 am) to surprise your sweetheart. Wake and tell them to hurry and come out of the house. On the lawn have a blanket thrown out with little scented candles, fruits, cheese, coffee, croissants and muffins, and have breakfast on the front lawn watching the sunrise. It is so beautiful, romantic and totally unexpected- no doubt your face will be covered in smooches!

Wait! Don't throw out that ratty old toothbrush! Here are some great ways to reuse old toothbrushes:

Scrub the corners of your shower, tiles and sliding door.Clean your keyboard.Clean your nails after gardening.Clean small spaces in your car that you can't get to.Save it to clean off your cheese grater next time you use it.Ah, yes, and let's not forget this gem ... Clean dog poop off your shoe.You can use thoothbrushes for painting and all types of crafting projects alsoObviously, you may want to keep separate toothbrushes for some of these tasks.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Here are the 13 most overlooked tax deductions- making mistakes can and does cost us taxpayers millions a year- do not be one of them losing out on good $$$

State Sales Tax1.Although all taxpayers have a shot at this write-off, it makes sense primarily for those who live in states that do not impose an income tax. You must choose between deducting state income taxes or state sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax states, the income-tax deduction is a better deal.

2. $250 Educators' ExpensesTeachers and their aides can deduct up to $250 they spent in 2007 for books and classroom supplies. If you qualify, put your deduction on line 23 of the Form 1040. You get this deduction regardless of whether you itemize. ax. You must choose between deducting state income taxes or state sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax states, the income-tax deduction is a better deal.

3. College TuitionYou may qualify to deduct up to $4,000 you paid in college tuition in 2007 for yourself, your spouse or a dependent. This break can pay off if your income is too high to qualify to claim the Hope or Lifetime Learning credit.

4. Student Loan Interest ... Paid by Mom or DadUntil recently, if parents paid back a student loan incurred by their children, no one got a tax break. To get a deduction, the law held that you had to be both liable for the debt and actually pay it yourself. But now there's an exception. If Mom and Dad pay back the loan, IRS treats it as though they gave the money to their child, who then paid the debt. So, a child who's not claimed as a dependent can qualify to deduct up to $2,500 of the loan.

5. Out-of-Pocket Charitable ContributionsIt's hard to overlook the big charitable gifts you made during the year, by check or payroll deduction. But little things add up, too, and you can write off out-of-pocket costs you incur while doing good works. Ingredients for casseroles you regularly prepare for a nonprofit organization's soup kitchen, for example, or the cost of stamps you buy for your school's fundraiser count as a charitable contribution.

6. Jury Pay Paid to EmployerSome employers continue to pay employees' full salary while they are doing their civic duty but ask that they turn over their jury fees to the corporate treasury. The only problem is that the IRS demands that you report those fees as taxable income. You've always had a right to deduct the amount, so you weren't taxed on money that simply passed through your hands. But now tax forms include a line dedicated to this deduction.

7. Military Reservists' Travel ExpensesIf you are a member of the National Guard or military reserve, you may deserve a deduction for travel expenses to drills or meetings. To qualify, you must travel more than 100 miles and be away from home overnight. If you qualify, you can deduct the cost of lodging and half the cost of your meals, plus 48.5 cents a mile (and any parking or toll fees) for driving your own car. You get this deduction regardless of whether you itemize.

8. Child-Care CreditIt's easy to overlook the child-care credit if you pay your child-care bills through a reimbursement account at work. The child-care credit applies to no more than $6,000 (for two or more children) of qualifying expenses. And, the law allows you to run up to $5K of such expenses through a tax-favored reimbursement account at work. So, if you run the maximum $5K through a plan at work, but spend more for work-related child care, you can claim the credit on that extra $1K. That would cut your tax bill by at least $200.

9. Estate Tax on Income in Respect of a DecedentThis sounds complicated, but it can save you a lot of money if you inherited an IRA from someone whose estate was big enough to be subject to the federal estate tax. Basically, you get an income-tax deduction for the amount of estate tax paid on the IRA balance.

10. State Tax You Paid Last SpringDid you owe tax when you filed your 2006 state tax return in the spring of 2007? Then remember to include that amount with your state-tax deduction on your 2007 return, along with state income taxes withheld from your paychecks or paid via quarterly estimated payments. withdraw the money from the IRA and pay tax on it, you also get to deduct a proportional amount of the estate tax paid. If you withdraw $50,000 in one year, for example, you get to claim a $22,500 itemized deduction on Schedule A.

11. Refinancing PointsWhen you buy a house, you get to deduct points paid to get your mortgage in one fell swoop. When you refinance a mortgage, though, you have to deduct the points over the life of the loan. That means 1/30th a year if it's a 30 year mortgage -- that's $33 a year for each $1,000 of points you paid. Not much, maybe, but don't throw it away.

12. Reinvested DividendsThis isn't really a deduction, but it is a subtraction that can save you money ... and this is a break that many miss.If, like most investors, you have mutual fund dividends automatically invested in extra shares, remember that each reinvestment increases your "tax basis" in the fund. That, in turn, reduces the taxable capital gain (or increases the tax-saving loss) when you redeem shares. Forgetting to include the reinvested dividends in your basis means overpaying your tax.get to deduct points paid to get your mortgage in one fell swoop. When you refinance a mortgage, though, you have to deduct the points over the life of the loan. That means 1/30th a year if it's a 30 year mortgage -- that's $33 a year for each $1,000 of points you paid. Not much, maybe, but don't throw it away.

13. Jury Pay Paid to EmployerSome employers continue to pay employees' full salary while they are doing their civic duty but ask that they turn over their jury fees to the corporate treasury. The only problem is that the IRS demands that you report those fees as taxable income. You've always had a right to deduct the amount, so you weren't taxed on money that simply passed through your hands. But now tax forms include a line dedicated to this deduction.

Here are some easy and thrifty ways to impress your guests at the holiday table.

Make your own placemats simply and easily. Use pinking shears to cut sheets of fabric to size - approximately 12"x 17" works well. Create a simple pattern by stitching a ribbon to the placemat.For matching napkin rings, simply tie a length of the same ribbon around your napkin.This tip is simple and fun for anyone who has these few items- you can also make a whole bunch of these sets using different colors, impress company every time!

Whiteflies are small, triangular, white-bodied insects that love to take up residence on houseplants. They are an annoyance to plant owners and can cause the leaves of your plants to yellow and drop off. Here are some control measures:

Use yellow sticky traps.Use soap spray at five to ten day intervals.Alcohol spray: 4 parts water to 3 parts rubbing alcohol. Add a squirt of liquid soap.Remove and destroy all leaves that are more than 50% damaged.

Here is a fun exciting game to play to keep romance fresh and exciting. When he comes home he finds a treasure map that you made for him. Then, he goes on a hunt throughout the house, and at the end, you are waiting for him with a room full of candles, roses and chocolate-covered strawberries. It is a silly little game, but it is fun to play.You can change up this game in many ways with locations,hints,clues and the surprise ending.That's why I like this game it never has to become boring for you two and both can play.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Plant a Wildflower MeadowWildflower Meadow Fiction: To create a beautiful wildflower meadow, just buy one of those pretty shaker cans of wildflower seeds, spread them over your lawn, and stop mowing. Wildflower Meadow Fact: Although a wildflower meadow is easier to create than a flowerbed, you will need to prepare the soil by tilling thoroughly, and encourage your meadow by watering regularly. Here are some basics to help you establish your wildflower meadow:Every wildflower mix should contain some meadow grasses. These grasses add texture and help stabilize the soil.The label on your mix should list every species contained in the mix. Try to find a good mix for your region.Try to rid the meadow of weeds before planting. Weeds are the most common reason for the failure of a wildflower meadow. Solarization usually does a good job of ridding the soil of weeds.Till and prepare the soil as you would for any seedbed, then apply the seeds at twice the rate recommended on the package. To facilitate even spreading, mix seeds with equal portions of clean river sand.Keep the seedlings moist and weed diligently.Cut to 6 inches high in late winter to prevent invasion by woody plants and to help disperse flower and grass seeds.Sow annual seeds yearly, since they seldom reseed themselves as expected. After the second year the perennial seeds will begin to come into their own, and annual seeding may not be necessary.

Friday, January 25, 2008

This tip I learned from my days as a janitor and housekeeperWhen opening a can of cleansing powder, don't fully remove the sticky tab that covers the holes on the top of the can. Lift it off and place it over half the holes, leaving half covered, half open. This way there is less waste, less gritty residue to rinse and less product washing into our waterways. This trick is especially useful if young kids want to help clean the bathroom!

Even though it will probably lose its charge before you need it, a fire extinguisher is a good idea. A car fire could start from a wire that's worn though its insulation. Extra fuses are good to have in case a light goes out. A hose repair kit is ideal for quick repairs of leaky coolant hoses. Also, a cellular phone is good idea when help is necessary. Additional items for your kit should be a basic first-aid kit, a few quarters or a calling card for phone calls (if you don't have a cell phone), water, a blanket and some emergency food to give you an extra shot of energy when you need it. High-protein bars are a good choice because they have a long shelf life. Customize your emergency kit to fit your needs. Some items you may not have any use for and there may be things that you want to have in your vehicle that were not mentioned in this series of articles. Whatever you include, remember the idea of the emergency kit is to help you get back on the road again safely and quickly.

Most annuals are easy to start indoors, and starting your own bedding plants is an economical way to fill out your beds. Start the seeds in flats or trays, and place the trays under lights once the seeds germinate to keep the plants from getting leggy. The lights should only be a few inches from the tops of the plants. Keep the plants well watered and fertilize lightly once they have true leaves. Transplant to individual pots when the plants have 4-6 leaves, and transplant outdoors when the danger of frost has passed.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Most young kids haven't had teeth long enough to have anything go wrong with them.But a Finnish study has highlighted some interesting risk factors, according to a report in the Journal of Dental Research:Researchers at the department of child neurology at the University of Turku in Finland found that:If a child's mother is still in her teens, it's five times more likely that the child will have cavities by age 5.If a child's father has at least one cavity each year, the chances that the child will have cavities by age 5 more than doubles.If the child's mother doesn't brush her own teeth regularly, it doubles the likelihood that her child will have cavities.Living in a rural area also doubles the chances of a child having bad teeth.

Removing Scuff MarksAn easy way to remove black scuff marks from floors is right at your fingertips - er, toes. Just take a tennis shoe and gently rub it over the mark. It should lift off very easily. This is a great tip I learned on my own, after seeing my shoes had a magic touch- It truly works and costs you zero!

Unwrap the tree ifyou used a tree wrap or guard around your fruit and deciduous trees over winter, it's time to remove the protection. Leaving a tree wrapped until the weather is warm gives insects a cozy hiding place. Choose a cloudy day to prevent sunscald on the tender bark.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Repot HouseplantsSpring is a great time to repot your houseplants. Plants that haven't been repotted in the past three years should be given a clean home and fresh soil even if they haven't outgrown their pot. If you plan to reuse the pot, clean it in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water, then scrub well in soapy water and rinse thoroughly. This will kill any bacteria or viruses lurking in the pot.

Being stranded on the side of a busy road can be dangerous. You need to do as much as you can to let other drivers be aware of your presence. In addition to using your car's hazard lights, it's a good idea to keep some flares, a battery-operated flasher or a warning triangle in your emergency kit. Make sure you have matches for flares and that your warning triangle is reflective to be seen at night. Seriousl- make sure you have these items to get you the help you need, as well as to keep yourself safe

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Are You Getting Enough Purple?Only 3% of Americans' fruit and vegetable intake is from the purple/blue food category. Yet, these fruits and vegetables contain an abundance and variety of antioxidants and phytonutrients not found in other colored fruits and vegetables.

The following fruits & vegetables are all part of the purple/blue category:

Dripless Cones is a goal for most of us eating one and it never seems to happen- here is atrick I have found that is just greatStuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.I love this tip because it is pure magic- it works well and is inexpensive, a yummy bonustoo!

Roses are red....Just place a single rose on your honey’s car door handle or window, so she can see it when she approaches the car. Add a love note and this sweet gesture is sure to please!Very romantic and endearing trick that willl melt your honey's heart and make them smile all the way home! Also try this trick using the windshield wiper instead of the door handle

A flat tire is a headache that nobody wants. Always carry a tire pressure gauge in your glovebox and make sure your tires are properly inflated before you go on a trip. If you do happen to get a flat tire, there are a couple of items you should include in your emergency kit that will make fixing the flat quick and easy. A can of foam tire inflator can seal small punctures and help you get back on the road quickly. Make sure the inflator you buy is non-flammable. Even with using the tire inflator you need to get your tire repaired as quickly as possible since it only a temporary fix. If you need to do a tire repair while you are on the road, you should carry a tire plug kit and an air compressor that's powered by the car's cigarette lighter. Find the leak and use the plug kit to seal it and then refill the tire using the compressor. This repair will last longer than using the foam tire inflator.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Call your lover on the phone and play their favorite love song. Time it in such a way that they would be in bed at that time. (For example, either late at night or early in the morning)You've hit the jackpot if you both start to hum along or sing!

Clearing the Air-If you've renovated your home lately, think about hanging spider plants in the rooms where new wood products -- like plywood -- were used.The easy-to-grow plant, technically known as Chlorophytum elatum or green spider plant, is capable of significantly reducing formaldehyde in the atmosphere.Formaldehyde, a stiffening agent commonly used in wood products, also is considered a major contaminant. On a warm day or when the heat has been on overnight, the concentration of formaldehyde at floor level can be twice the concentration as in the rest of the house, Bodanis says.Tests sponsored by NASA show that the spider plant and other common houseplants -- including several kinds of philodendron, golden pothos, aloe vera and Chinese evergreen -- also can reduce concentrations of benzene and carbon monoxide by more than half in a 24-hour period.

Prolonging PotatoesTo keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes. I hate when I have only had my potatoes for a short while and they start to bud and wrinkle up. I have found, that this is a neat inexpensive trick, for longer perservation.

The Right Tools Your emergency kit should also contain a few tools that may help when your car breaks down on the road. Don't leave your car at the side of the road for the night - many roadside fixes can be done with a screwdriver or pair of pliers. Your set of tools should include flathead and Phillips' screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, a small ratchet and socket set, WD-40, wire and wire-cutters. Even though the repair may be beyond your mechanical ability, a Good Samaritan may stop to help you and he may need the tools to help fix your vehicle.

Probably the single most important item you should include in your kit is a pair of jumper cables. You never know when you car's battery may run low and you will need the cables to start her up. Dead batteries are among the major reasons why people call auto clubs or automakers for roadside assistance. Save yourself the expense and time of calling a tow truck. In addition, you can also play Good Samaritan when someone else needs a jump start. If you are not sure how to use them, read the instructions in your owner's manual. Be careful when connecting the cables to the battery. Besides the traditional cables, there are also compact cables available that fit into a glovebox. It's not a bad idea to have a battery booster in your emergency kit. If there isn't another car around, a booster containing its own battery can be merely connected to the posts of your dead battery to give it a jump.

Finding time for me and my boyfriend is quite a challenge!Each night, we lie in bed and talk about our day while we snuggle. No matter how tired we are, we take advantage of our private time in any way possible. We need that time to connect and keep in touch with each other. This is great for couples that have kids,demanding careers, and other time consuming obligations- try it!

Stop Squeaking FloorsSqueaking floors driving you crazy? For a quick fix, just sprinkle the area with talcum powder and sweep it into the cracks in the floor. The powder acts as a lubricant and should stop the squeaks. Try this one for sure, it works really well to stop those annoying squeaks.

You may not know the "look," but it's definitely part of a teenager's demeanor."The look" is a facial expression that is used by adolescents to communicate with each other -- but even when you recognize it, it means different things to different people.A group of researchers studied "the look" and found that, when it's used between friends of the same gender, it's meant to communicate anger, sadness or disgust. When it's used between non-friends of the same gender, it also means anger or disgust, but with an air of superiority attached.They also found that when it's used with people of the opposite gender, it includes a message of power and authority.

Woody perennials like candytuft, and herbs like lavender and thyme will appreciate a spring haircut, and you'll be rewarded with a bushier plant. After pruning, apply a balanced fertilizer and a layer of compost.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Lovingly ExpressionsI use to have so much trouble showing my boyfriend how I felt about him. He was so confused and frustrated about it. He was always w/ hugs, kisses and the 3 little words- hey whose the chic here? Anyways, one day I had a burning desire to open my mouth and declare my love and adoration... He was napping on the couch an I saw a pen nearby, that I picked up. Instantly an idea came to me! I wrote on his hand in blue ink: I (heart) U! yea i drew a heart on this man's hand... Needless to say he was surprised when he awaken and discovered it- that put such a smile on his face.... Oh yea another thing u can do to show feelings and affection is put on some lipstick and kiss a couple car windows of his. Trust me this works too and is a unique way of letting him know you are thinking of him.

It's something you are not likely to think about until it's too late. Or maybe you think nothing will go wrong with your car; breakdowns are something that happen to other people. But your car may eventually break down on the side of the road, and there may not be service station nearby that can get to your vehicle quickly. In addition, you may break down in the middle of rush hour on a busy freeway or in the middle of a sun-baked desert. The temperature may be well below zero or it may be hovering in the triple digits. Regardless of the scenario, you will wish you had an emergency kit handy so you can get your car back on the road.This kit takes little time to prepare and can be stocked full of the things you might need when you run into trouble on the road.A flashlight, for instance, is handy when you need to inspect your engine at night. Flares set out along your vehicle make it clear to other drivers your car is on the side of the road. Duct tape is good to make quick repairs to leaky hoses. These are just a few of the items you should consider packing into an emergency kit that you can store in your trunk.Find a cardboard box and store the items in the back of your trunk. Although it may seem like a waste of space, you will be glad you have your emergency kit when you have car trouble on the road.

Keep a plastic bowl with a lid in your freezer. When you have a few tablespoons of vegetables left over from a meal, put it in the container. When your container is full, make a pot of vegetable soup. This so wonderful because all the different veggies that can be collected over a period of time- ooooh, yum yum!!

Spraying fruit trees such as apples, cherries and plums with horticultural oil smothers insects that may be hiding in the bark. Choose a day when the wind is calm and the temperature is above 40 degrees, and spray from all angles until the spray drips from the branches. You can also spray evergreens to help control spider mites.

Friday, January 18, 2008

The netting used to package oranges and other fruits makes a perfect soft scouring pad. Just cut the top and bottom of the bag off and fold the netting. Then, put a rubber band around the middle of the folded netting for a nice, soft pad. This is so amazing and works really well, saving you $$$ on buying scrub pads

A mechanical failure in the winter can deadly, so preventive maintenance is a must. Check out the following tips to be beter off on the road during winter:

1. Have engine performance problems corrected at a good repair shop. Replace dirty or worn filters- air,fuel,PCV, etc.2. Put a bottle of fuel deicer in your tank once a month to help freezing in the fuel line. Replace worn wiper blades3. The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. Have belts,clamps and hoses checked by a pro.4. Have older batteries checked for a charge- have this done with professional equipment5. Replace worn tires, which will be of little use in winter weather. Don't forget the spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition

Get rid of nagging aches and pains with this simple homemade heating pad. Just take a clean sock, fill it with 4 or 5 cups of uncooked rice and tie off the end. Whenever you need pain relief, just pop the sock in the microwave. Watch it carefully - it shouldn't take more than 20-30 seconds to heat. The warm sock conforms to your body, making it a great remedy for aching shoulders and neck.

It's a good idea to pull back the mulch and check your strawberries from time to time. Once you see new growth, remove the mulch and top dress with an inch or two of compost to get the plants off to a good start.

Small changes in the way you drive can have a big effect on the fuel economy of just about ANY car. Here are a few tips for making trips to the pump more efficient:

1. Pressure Check: Government studies show that keeping your tires inflated to the recommended pressure can improve fuel economy by up to 3%. Bump those savings up to 5% by using the proper grade of otor oil

2. Shape Up With a Tune- Up: Fixing a car that's noticebly out of tune can improve gas milege by 4 %. Joining a auto club can save you money too.

3. Filter Maintenance: A healthy air filter can improve your car's gas milege by as much as 10%

4. Slow Down: Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is likepaying an addt'l 20 cents per gallon of gas

5. Dont't Be Agressive: Accelerating and braking abruptly can lower your gas milege by as much as 33% on the highway,and 5% in the city

6. Cruise, Don't Lose: Constant braking and accelerating causes less fuel effciency and a faster trip to the pump Use cruise control whenever possible

7. Combine Trips: Making multiple short trips from a cold start can use twice as much fuelas one long multipurpose trip

8. Consider a Hybrid: If you are in the market for a new car, hybrid-electric vehicles combine the best features of the internal combustion engine with the electric motor. Another money saving factor: the Energy Policy Act of 2005 established a federal tax credit for certain hybrids

9. Shop Around: If hybrids arent't for you, there are still plenty of conventional automobiles that can save you big bucks at the pump The difference between a car that gets 20 mpg and one that gets 30 mpg amounts to about $744 per year

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Here are some more common sense tips: Use your turn signals; obey the speed limit;don't block the passing lane; avoid blocking the right hand turn lane; and don't take up more than one parking space. You should also avoid parking in a handicapped spot if you are not handicapped. Don't allow you car door to hit the car parked next to you. If you drive slowly, pull over and allow faster traffic to pass. Don't act like a police officer and purposely make another vehicle slow down. Avoid unnecessary use of your high beams.Don't let your car phone distract you from driving. Don't stop in the road to talk with a pedestrian or other driver. Don't play your car stereo loud when driving through a neighborhood.If you do find yourself doing some rude driving habits and feel bad about them afterwards, you may want to keep a "Sorry" sign in your car as a way to apologize for your act. Although it may sound corny, it is an effective way to defuse a tense situation. You may even get the other driver to smile once he sees your "Sorry" sign. At night, turn on your car's interior light so the other driver can see your sign. But perhaps most important of all, be courteous to other drivers.Try this: imagine that you are not surrounded by an automobile and display manners you would use when standing next to another person. You may be pleasantly surprised by the results.

I remembered when I was a child we learned a little craft. I took a regular lunch bag and found little foam letters. I glued each letter of his name on the bag in the center. I also put our saying on the bag in red crayon. I drew little hearts all over it. It almost looked like a child did it! Then, I filled it with homemade cookies and brownies. He absolutely adored it. This is fun and inexpensive and will come from the heart- works everytime, especially for those of us who live far away from our sweethearts.

If you chew an old piece of gum, you know how your jaw almost hurts.But did you also know it can impact your heart and blood pressure?The department of orthodontics at the University of Naples in Italy published a study, in the Archives of Oral Biology, that proved old gum should probably be tossed away.The study found that when 10 healthy volunteers chewed on pieces of very hard gum at the rate of 80 chews a

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

You already know how to catch a cold. Now learn how to knock one out. Flip through the Old Farmer's Almanac and you'll see how utterly pathetic we've been in our battle against the common cold. Take this strategy employed by American colonists: "(They) pared orange peels, rolled them up inside out, and stuffed them into the nostrils."Using rinds against the rhinovirus sounds brilliant compared with the device patented by Norman Lake in 1977 -- a modified clothespin. As the Almanac tells it, "the FDA told Lake he could not advertise his device as a cold cure but only as a way of 'keeping foreign material out of the nose.'"Not exactly our best moments. But the next cold season is going to be different. Our tactics? Speed and science. We've assembled the latest research on how to arm your immune system so it'll strike at the first tickle in the throat. Or immediately after a suspicious double sneeze. Or right after that vague, blah feeling begins creeping in. In the past we've always allowed the cold virus to establish a beachhead in our bodies before fighting back. This time, the second it lands, we hit and we hit hard. STRATEGY #1: EAT THE ANTIVIRAL BREAKFAST Woke up sick and tired? Research shows that the right morning meal can help quash the cold virus. In a recent study from the Netherlands, researchers analyzed the impact that consuming a 1,200-calorie breakfast has on a man's immune system, versus eating nothing at all. They found that eating big and eating early increased blood levels of gamma interferon, a natural antiviral agent, by 450 percent. (Going hungry actually caused a 17 percent decrease.) More research is needed to determine if fewer calories will have a similar effect, but in the meantime, shoot for 1,200 every morning until your cold symptoms disappear. Not, however, 1,200 calories of pancake syrup. Instead, hit your quota by eating a bowl of Kellogg's Raisin Bran (with 2 percent milk), a glass of orange juice, and a toasted English muffin with peanut butter and grape jelly, followed by a Stonyfield Farm--brand smoothie.

STRATEGY #2: STRESS OUT YOUR SYSTEM If you get attacked at the office, strike back with stress. Expose yourself to short-term stress, the kind you have some control over, and you'll supercharge your immune system. Stress response is a normal protective coping mechanism, The body prepares itself for potential harm and activates its immune resources.To use stress as medicine, taking on a small extra project at work or helping a coworker with a task. It shouldn't take longer than a day or half a day. If the stress response is continuous, then the immune system will be suppressed. Already swamped? Play a video game when you get home; Bosch found that Xbox stress can also boost SIgA levels.

STRATEGY #3: BREW THE COLD-VIRUS KILLER Swap your 3 p.m. coffee for a caffeine-toting cold buster: green tea. When Canadian researchers added green tea to lab samples of the adenovirus (one of the bugs responsible for colds), they found that it stopped the virus from replicating. All the credit goes to EGCG, a chemical compound found in certain kinds of tea, but in the highest concentrations in green tea. Start pumping green tea into your bloodstream at the first sign of a cold and you should be able to stop the advance of the adenovirus. The best brand to brew? Tetley; it was one of the most effective in Weber's study. Note: To brew the maximum amount of EGCG, boil a mug of water in the microwave, toss in a tea bag, and let it steep for 10 minutes. Sweeten with honey.

STRATEGY #4: RECHARGE YOUR IMMUNE RESPONSEWe love Carson, but call it a night. if the amount of sleep you're logging decreases by 40 percent or more (for instance, you sleep 4 hours instead of the usual 7), the effectiveness of your immune system will decline by 50 percent. And for the immune system to operate at full strength, you'll need to sleep a straight 8, the amount shown to produce the highest levels of "natural killer cells," which attack viruses. But don't knock yourself out with alcohol, including alcohol-spiked cold medicines like NyQuil. A single dose of alcohol impairs your sleep, Instead, wear light clothing--shorts and a T-shirt--during your waking hours at home; Japanese researchers found that this adjusts a person's core body temperature enough to improve sleep quality and boost the immune response.

STRATEGY #5: WORK OUT THE WHITE BLOOD CELLS It's harder to hit a moving target, and that goes for a cold virus that's throwing punches, too. In a recent University of Massachusetts study of 547 people, researchers found that the most physically active people had 25 percent fewer upper-respiratory infections over the course of a year than did the couch potatoes. Researchers believe that exercise may strengthen immune function, in part by increasing the body's production of white blood cells. If you exercise, you should see two benefits: One, you'll have a reduced risk of catching a cold, and two, if you're unlucky enough to get a cold, you should have it for a shorter period of time, That said, it is possible to sweat yourself sick. (Marathon runners are at a greater risk of upper-respiratory infections after a race.) So do this: Aim for 60 to 90 minutes of moderate activity daily, with walking counting just as much as weight training. THE PREVENT DEFENSE: There are two ways we commonly catch a cold: by unconsciously putting our mitts in our noses or mouths or by sucking in the germs from someone else's sneeze or cough. Compulsive hand washing takes care of the first avenue of infection, but what about the airborne attack? Do the obvious--hold your breath for as long as you can after someone sneezes or coughs near you, . Think of germ-laden air as colored smoke, If you hold your nose, the colored smoke won't go in.

Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, like it or not. And while a face lift can hide what Mother Nature has ravaged, the best defense is to do all you can to prevent those laugh lines and crow's feet from forming for as long as possible.There is a proven bag of tricks to make you look younger--but you have to start early for these to work. To that end, dermatologists attending the American Academy of Dermatology's SKIN academy offered five tips to prevent wrinkles:

1. Use soap only on select areas of your body to avoid dryness."Unless you have really oily skin because you are a teenager or work with oils or gases, you do not need soap to get yourself clean. Pure water does the job to get you clean," advises Dr. Brian B. Adams, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Cincinnati. "However, you do need to use soap on your face, under your arms and in the groin area. As you get older, the use of soap on the rest of your body can unnecessarily dry your skin."

2. Don't smoke."Quit smoking or, better yet, don't even start! More and more young people are smoking and doing so to relieve stress, but it's bad for your skin and causes wrinkles," warns Dr. Flor A. Mayoral, a clinical instructor in the departments of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. "Deep-set wrinkles will appear around your mouth from puckering, your skin will be dehydrated and dull, and you may experience premature aging."Wise Up3. Use sunscreen."Use sunscreen every day, preferably one with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays," recommends Dr. Sandra I. Read, an instructor of dermatology at the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. "Today, many skin care products contain sunscreen and are multifunctional, which allow you to get many skin benefits from one application. This saves time and money. For example, to protect and maintain healthy skin, use a daily facial moisturizer containing sunscreen. You also can find body lotions that contain sunscreen. These products can help hydrate and protect your skin, especially areas of your body that are sun-exposed throughout the day--like your hands."

4. Eat a healthy diet."What you apply to your skin helps give it a healthy, radiant glow, but remember what you put into your body is just as important. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can make a real difference in the appearance of your skin," says Dr. Susan C. Taylor, who is on the faculty of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University in New York City and the School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

5. When all else fails, consider a non-surgical facelift.Dermatologists can help you turn back the hands of time with a non-surgical facelift. "For many people in their 40s, 50s and even 60s, combining laser and other light-energy treatments with botulinum toxin and fillers can take years off their appearance while maintaining a natural, youthful look using non-invasive procedures," advises Dr. Arielle N.B. Kauvar, clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine. "Some procedures, such as photodynamic therapy, can even remove pre-cancerous growths, improving the health of the skin."

Ever wonder why people with light skin are at greater risk of skin cancer?The Journal of Experimental Medicine has an explanation. In addition to causing sunburn, ultraviolet light also reduces the immune function in the skin, and that's what leads to skin cancer.Researchers at Guy's, King's and St. Thomas' School of Medicine in London report that one hour of sun exposure can reduce the immune response of light skin by as much as 80 percent. By comparison, people with darker skin -- or those who tan well -- only have their immune response reduced by about 40 percent under the same conditions.The researchers conclude that it's the reduced immune response -- not the sunburn itself -- that increases the risk of skin cancer.

One way to determine the best time to plant is by soil temperature. Soil thermometers are available at most garden supply stores. Insert the thermometer two inches into the soil for cool season crops, or four inches for warm season crops. Average the temperature at midday for four or five days. You can plant cool season crops when the temperature is around 50 degrees. Wait until the temperature is around 60 degrees for warm season crops.

Today, call your love's voicemail and leave a message reminding them of a special moment or time you had together. It could be a dinner, a party, a vacation... anything that was really special to the both of you. Your honey will love it!

Have you replaced your hot water tank within the last month, or do you need to replace it soon? Call your local electric company and see if they have a credit program. Some electric companies will give a credit - often of $100.00 - on your electric bill.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Sit down with your partner and remember all the things that you have done together. Write them all on pieces of paper and get a really BIG box and put them in it. Everytime something happens that you want to remember forever, write it down and put it in the box. Then, whenever you miss the person, just pick one out and read it to remember how much you love that person.

It seems like a vicious cycle. You exercise to lose weight, but the more you exercise, the more you build up an appetite, and the more you eat. Right?Not so, says the International Journal of Obesity Related Medical Disorders. Exercise doesn't increase appetite, and you won't automatically eat more just because you've worked off a few extra calories.In fact, there is really no such thing as working up an appetite. What there is, is working up to a feeling that you deserve a treat for all that hard work.What you have to watch out for is rewarding yourself for working or playing hard by eating or drinking more calories than you've burned.So next time, just celebrate with water.

To save yourself hours of weeding later in summer, apply an edging around your flower beds before grass and weeds from the surrounding lawn become invasive. Look for a metal or rubber edging that that can be pushed at least six inches into the soil.

Why not enjoy an evening dining on appetizers and desserts? Invite a group of friends over one evening and have each couple bring either an appetizer or a dessert.

* This totally saves on money, time,food oh yea did I mention dishes- great way to get to know ur friends also through their food tastes- very important! This is also just a fun idea,everyone can participate, and if your dieting- excellent way to not fall off by eating a lot less!

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I love my work in real estate and I love my family, meeting new people, serving God always. I'm just trying to enjoy life. Blogging is one of my favorite hobbies, and I really enjoy working on this one